When we talk about exploring different parts of Algeria, the Sahara desert sticks out as a must-see. But this part of the country is huge and has many beautiful places spread across more than 2 million Km².
If you’re planning a trip to the Algerian Sahara desert, you’re probably wondering which places you should include in your itinerary. With that in mind, I wanted to share some of the best places in Algeria’s Sahara desert you should think about visiting on your trip to Algeria.
Click on a section in the list to jump down the page.
- Ghardaia
- El Menia
- Taghit
- Beni Abbes
- Timimoun
- Boussada
- Biskra & Tolga
- Touggourt
- El Oued
- Djanet
- Tamanrasset
- Algerian Sahara Map and Destinations
Algeria Sahara Desert Trip: Where to Go?
1. Ghardaia
Coming to Ghardaia, you will have a feeling like you are traveling back in time. No wonder Unesco named it a world heritage site. This place is probably the most conservative city in Algeria and is famous for its Mzab Valley – a geographical site also known for its unique architecture and way of life.
Ghardaia is a compact city built in the 10th century by a branch of the Amazigh ethnicity, called the Ibadites. It consists of five fortified towns (Ksours) designed for community living.
- Ghardaia location: South Central Algeria
- Distance from Algiers: 600 Km
- How to get there from Algiers: by plane, car, or bus
2. El Menia
Continue the list of the best places in Algeria’s Sahara desert, El Menia, also called Golea is situated about 270 Km from Ghardaia and is known for growing citrus and other fruits. Moreover, El Menia is home to 200 thousand palm trees and many phreatic zones.
Visiting El Menia, you will have an opportunity to walk around its Ksar, stop by its beautiful palm groves, as well as learning about desert farming.
- El Menia location: South Central Algeria
- Distance from Algiers: 870 Km
- How to get there from Algiers: by car, bus, or plane (to Ghardaia) + taxi or bus
➵ Read: 2-Week Algeria Itinerary: From the Coast to the Desert
3. Taghit
Popularly known as the ‘the Enchantress’, Taghit is one of Algeria’s best-known and most popular destinations. Here you can climb some of the highest dunes in Africa to enjoy a spectacular sunset. But there is more to Taghit than sand dunes, In fact, the oasis village is tucked between a vast area of sand dunes and a stone plateau across the river. Taghit is also known for its rock-art, friendly people, and chill vibes.
- Taghit location: Southwest Algeria
- Distance from Algiers: 1040 Km
- How to get there from Algiers: by car, bus, or plane (Bechar airport) + bus or taxi
4. Beni Abbes
Beni Abbes is only one hour away from Taghit. It’s another Oasis known as the Pearl of the Sahara desert. From Taghit you can go on a day trip to visit the Ksar of Beni Abbes and enjoy the authenticity and the calmness of this beautiful oasis.
- Beni Abbes location: Southwest Algeria
- Distance from Algiers: 1240 Km
- How to get there from Algiers: by car, bus, or plane (Bechar airport) + bus or taxi
5. Timimoun
This place is irresistible with its red dunes, palm groves, and mud-brick architecture. You can wander around the red villages and sip mint tea with locals. It’s the perfect place to experience the beauty of the Sahara desert in utmost serenity and breathe the unpolluted air.
- Timimoun location: Southwest Algeria
- Distance from Algiers: 1200 Km
- How to get there from Algiers: car, bus, plane (Adrar) + bus or taxi
➵ Read: Useful Algerian Phrases and words
6. Boussada
If you are planning to visit Eastern Algeria, you may want to spend a day in Boussada – the gateway to the Sahara desert.
Boussada is not the prettiest city in the Algerian Sahara desert, but it offers a good list of things to do and see keeping you occupied all the time. Boussada was a source of inspiration for many orientalist artists and also a famous film-making location.
- Boussada location: Southeast Algeria
- Distance from Algiers: 270 Km
- How to get there from Algiers: by car or bus
Biskra & Tolga
If you want to wander through Palm groves and eat the tastiest dates, then you should visit Biskra. Known as the gateway to the Sahara desert, Biskra is an Oasis town crammed with truly incredible spots. The lush greenery of its oasis, the mud-brick villages, the canyon, as well as the local dishes make it the kind of place not to miss if you are in Algeria.
- Biskra location: Southeast Algeria
- Distance from Algiers: 440 Km
- How to get there from Algiers: by car, bus, or plane
8. Touggourt
Known for its palm groves, lakes, and irrigation system, Touggourt is located about 200 Km from Biskra and is another go-to place if you are seeking authenticity and cultural immersion. Visiting Touggourt is definitely an opportunity to experience the friendly ambiance, as well as the ordinary simple life of the locals.
- Touggourt location: Southeast Algeria
- Distance from Algiers: 670 Km
- How to get there from Algiers: by car, bus, or plane (to Ouregla Airport)+ bus or taxi
9. El Oued
Another option for your trip to southern Algeria is El Oued. Known as the city of thousand domes, El Oued is a remote town located near Tunisia. Visit El Oued, you can not only see the domes that top every building but also witness the traditional and simple life of locals. El Oued is also home to the most expensive luxury hotel & tents in Algeria’s Sahara Desert – La Gazelle d’Or is a place straight out of the Arabian dream.
- El Oued location: Southeast Algeria
- Distance from Algiers: 500 Km
- How to get there from Algiers: car, bus or plane
➵ Read: The ultimate Algeria Travel Guide
10. Djanet
The beauty of Djanet is incomparable. Due to its remoteness, Djanet is one of the least visited places in Algeria. It’s also one of the most stunning and wildest places that the Sahara offers. Djanet is known for its art-rock, dunes, and rock formation. It’s also the place where you meet the Touareg and learn about their lifestyle. Since there are no hotels in Djanet, the only way to explore this dramatic region is by taking an organized camping trip. You’re going to have the best trip!
- Djanet location: Southeast Algeria
- Distance from Algiers: 2230 Km
- How to get there: by plane or car
11.Tamanrasset
From the endless sea of dunes to the elevated plateaus of rock and stone, Tamanrasset is the ultimate wilderness. Not only is one of the most naturally beautiful places in the Sahara but is also home to one of the oldest and most well-dated archeological sites in the world. You’ll need to book an organized tour to be able to visit this remote place.
- Tamanrasset location: Southeast Algeria
- Distance from Algiers: 2000 Km
- How to get there: by plane or car
Good to know: the cities known as the gateway to the desert are not beige or orange like the Sahara desert you might imagine. These places are made up of rocky and stone desert.
Algerian Sahara Map and Destinations
And that’s it for my 11 great places to visit in the Algerian Sahara Desert. This part of the country is full of incredible adventures just waiting for you to discover!
Don’t miss the rest of my Algeria posts .
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Algeria Sahara desert Trip: 11 Great spots to visit
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